Common gallinule

Description:

12-15 inch rail type water bird with an overall black appearance to the feathers with a bright red beak and forehead covering.

Habitat:

Manmade swampy everglade area. This individual was on a shallow area covered with plant material.

Notes:

Saw this common bird that I almost never take pictures of because they are everywhere and decided to take a pic. Rarely do I see these birds still. They are usually swimming, or fighting/chasing each other. This individual was setting up a nest. It was perched on the water lettuce with reeds that it had brought with it set up as a makeshift nest. "She?" seemed calm and I had to take her shot.